Category: News

A healthy, collaborative conversation between aging parents and adult children about senior living options begins with everyone sitting down at the table, talking about quality of life issues, learning about different types of senior communities, exploring the lifestyles offered by each — and doing it together.

A good senior living community provides care when needed, a vibrant social calendar, a sense of encouraging both independence and peace of mind, ample opportunity to socialize with peers, more time spent enjoying life, and less time on home maintenance.

If you are considering a conversation about a move, these steps will help you start the conversation off on the right foot.

Evaluate the Situation

Changes in older adults’ health needs, mobility, or cognition can impact their personal safety and their ability to handle household responsibilities. If this is the case, a move to senior living could be a good solution for everyone.

Prepare for the Conversation

During your conversation, have as much relevant information on hand as you can, like which communities have apartments available, whether all-inclusive pricing options exist, and which communities can fulfill certain care needs.

Involve Everyone

Always follow the parents’ lead in the conversation! While adult children may recognize signs it’s time for a move, it’s essential that everyone be on board as much as possible. Ideally, both adult children and their parents can have a say in the final decision, which will ultimately make everyone feel more secure.

Offer Help to Decide

Adult children and their parents should work together to make a pros and cons list for moving versus staying at home; this may help put things in perspective financially, practically, and emotionally. Together, you can discuss priorities and explore a range of communities while identifying options and benefits.

Visit Communities Together

Visiting a senior living community together is a key part of the decision process. Explore different options in person and get a feel for what life is like. If the older adult has a friend in senior living, try setting up a visit with them, or contact a community to book a personal tour.

When having this conversation, be sure to gather all the necessary facts and information about communities of interest and think of the additional points you want to know more about. And most of all, be sure to visit a variety of senior living communities in person!

At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 970-251-1708 or contact us online if you have questions about assisted living or memory care or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

For over half a century, researchers have focused on the importance of community and a sense of belonging as factors boosting human health. Social connections are essential for health and well-being at all ages, but experts have found they are especially important for promoting health in later life. In a bad news, good news situation, we can’t avoid declines in physical, sensory, and cognitive function as we age. That’s the bad news. On the flip side, social functioning remains malleable and can expand as we age – in other words, social connections in later life are strengths that can boost mental health and well-being.

Why do social connections matter? The list is long, including disease prevention, fewer physical health problems, longevity, improved cognitive function, better self-esteem, purpose in life, and a sense of belonging—especially powerful for older adults.

It turns out, people who are confident with their place in the world are less likely to question their faith and beliefs, providing stronger spiritual health. This sense of belonging is so important that seniors who have that sense report their health as higher than those who have a lower sense of community—regardless of their actual state of health.

Over the last two years, the pandemic has reminded those of us in senior living how important social connections—and being part of a community—are to well-being. Even when we had to stay “socially distant,” the residents in our community remained connected, even if just to open the apartment door and participate in a sing-along, visit with team members throughout the day, or connect with family and friends via Zoom, Skype or Facetime, which we helped to facilitate.

As things “open up” again and people return for tours, we have heard the same thing from many of our prospective residents and their families – being home alone just wasn’t working. The National Institute on Aging estimates three out of 10 American seniors live alone, and the pandemic left many too isolated and without social connection.

Seniors Staying Connected

Yes, we agree that social connections are important. Even the American Public Health Association highlights that socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. But as we age it can be more challenging as friends and family may pass away, physical limitations make it harder to get out and visit, and busy families are often caught up in their own lives. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to connect with others socially, but older adults have to be proactive in seeking out these opportunities. Here are some ideas for seniors:

• Exercise classes and walking groups
• Happy hours and group outings
• Regular phone calls and video conferences with friends and family
• Bingo or card games
• Billiards, darts and other parlor games
• Fitness and other health classes
• Attending lectures at senior living communities (usually free!)
• Join a support group
• Organize a coffee group to talk sports, current events, or knitting, whatever feeds your fancy

As a WellAge Senior Living community, Sopris Lodge at Carbondale spends a lot of time and energy coordinating events, clubs, and activities for residents living with us. Residents can decide what they want to partake in, but the bottom line is they have choices to connect socially. Even the introverts who enjoy a good book in their suite for most of the day love to see their neighbors at dinner. We have dedicated team members whose job is to organize the social events – and get folks involved. If you’d like to learn more, give us a call as we like to think of ourselves as a resource to local seniors and families.

Considering a move to senior living for yourself or a loved one? Call 970-340-4460 or contact us online to learn how Sopris Lodge at Carbondale helps foster socialization and keep seniors connected.

One of the best ways for older adults to improve their physical health, mental well-being and overall happiness is by socializing and making new friends. Studies show friendships and socialization benefit older adults’ health in a variety of specific ways, including:

A longer lifespan

Friendships can play an important role in helping seniors live longer. Having close social ties can strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Motivating healthy habits

A good friend can also be a good influence! Friends can help encourage one another to stick to healthy habits, maintain an active lifestyle and keep an eye on each other’s mental and physical well-being.

Fighting loneliness and depression

Studies show that loneliness is a leading cause of depression in older adults. Avoiding isolation, getting involved in social activities and pursuing friendships can play a positive role in helping seniors maintain the connections necessary for good mental health.

Protecting cognitive health

Neuroplasticity means that, throughout a lifetime, the brain can continue changing, reorganizing and creating new neural pathways. The social interaction associated with new friendships helps to change the brain, strengthen memory and improve cognition.

When it comes to building a social circle, life in a senior living community improves the chance of making friends and meeting new people. Residents need only walk outside their apartment door to feel like part of a close-knit community — and to encounter opportunities to meet people. In this way, senior living communities offer so much more than just a place to live and find help when and if it’s needed — they’re places where residents can make connections, explore activities, and share experiences.

At Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, not only do residents have a healthy community of peers to connect with — they also have a wealth of resources at their fingertips: the community team members support their health and fitness goals, the life enrichment director organizes engaging social, cultural and educational activities, and the wellness director oversees their personal wellness plan. Residents also have access to a range of quality amenities and services, including a fitness center, an on-site chef to prepare healthy meals, a bistro, a beauty salon, and an outdoor courtyard for sunlight and socializing.

Considering a move to senior living for yourself or a loved one? Call 970-340-4460 or contact us online to learn more about our studio, one and two-bedroom apartments and how moving to Sopris Lodge at Carbondale offers seniors access to a built-in community of friends.

If you are looking to “rightsize” your retirement, moving to a senior living community offers benefits you just can’t get if your only focus is finding an apartment with maximum square footage.

In her book RightSizing: A Smart Living Guide to Reinventing Retirement, Kathy Gottberg defines “rightsizing” as “the conscious choice to create a life and a lifestyle that more sustainably aligns with your unique self in the best possible way at every stage.” In essence, you can create a more fulfilling life by making changes to align your lifestyle — the way you spend your time, energy and money — with your highest priorities and values.

Many senior living communities offer studio and one-bedroom apartments. For many older adults, this offers plenty of space to personalize yet still access what they came to the community for in the first place – opportunities for socialization and caring support. Although it may seem counterintuitive, downsizing to a smaller space can actually help seniors lead a more fulfilling, “upsized” lifestyle that offers myriad benefits, including:

• More free time. Home upkeep can be stressful and costly, but senior living apartments offer a more streamlined space that is easier to clean and maintain, giving residents more time to spend however they like. Seniors seeking an active lifestyle will benefit from a community’s on-site health and wellness programs, while those who prioritize friendship will appreciate the social aspects of joining a community. Seniors looking to spend more time on their personal hobbies will enjoy having access to activities, clubs, classes, lectures and events designed to satisfy many interests.
• More practical space. Apartments at senior living communities feature just the right amount of space for residents to choose the furniture and decor that means the most to them. A rightsized space also helps seniors to physically navigate a space more easily, while the streamlined aesthetics of the new space can help reduce stress. Move-in coordinators can help ease the relocation process by providing a detailed floor plan with measurements to help seniors visualize how to decorate their new home.
• Supportive care services. At senior living communities, residents have access to a range of health care and healthcare tools if, and when, they need it, including fitness equipment, a personalized care plan, and healthcare services. These benefits can be especially helpful for senior homeowners who find it too costly to hire a home health aide, or who would simply like the peace of mind access to 24/7 care can provide.
• Choose how you live. At communities like ours, residents spend most of their time at activities, gathering with friends in common areas, dining venues and venturing out into the community at large. While they can engage with their neighbors when they choose to, residents also have the option to retreat to their private residence for some quiet time. One resident recently told us, “I enjoy my apartment so I can relax, but if I want company, I simply have to open my door and catch up with someone walking by. Or I can venture out to find others. I have everything I need here.”

By rightsizing to a smaller space, seniors who sell their home and move to a senior lifestyle community get so much more than just an apartment. Communities like Sopris Lodge at Carbondale provide welcoming common spaces for residents to gather with friends, spacious dining venues to share meals and conversation, a robust schedule of social, cultural and educational activities, and more. With all this at their fingertips, residents come to see that living space size is just a portion of the equation for happiness and that sometimes smaller is better.

Considering a move for yourself or a loved one? Call 970-340-4460 or contact us online to find out about our available studio and one-bedroom residences and how Sopris Lodge at Carbondale can help to “rightsize” your retirement.

The holidays are fast approaching, which provides an opportunity to ensure a loved one’s health and safety, and to check on the potential need for additional assistance or care. Visiting with your parents and elderly loved ones at family gatherings or in their homes allows time to observe their physical and emotional well-being. Take time to examine the cleanliness and condition of their residence, make note of any unopened stacks of mail, and look for expired foods in their refrigerator or pantry. These all may be signs that a discussion about a move to assisted living might be necessary and helpful.

Moving to a senior living community can be emotionally and physically difficult for everyone. When the time comes, Sopris Lodge at Carbondale’s caring team is here to ensure your loved one’s move goes smoothly. To help reduce the guesswork, we’ve put together a moving timeline to prepare for the transition. Before you know it, your loved one will be settled into their new apartment, enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle, nutritious meals, experiencing 24/7 access to care and assistance with daily tasks, participating in activities, and meeting new people.

• Two months before moving: Ask friends or family to help pare down and pack your loved one’s belongings. Downsizing is a wonderful time to reminisce and share stories about their life. Decide which items to bring and which to donate or discard. If you prefer to hire professionals, look for local businesses that specialize in later life moves. Visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers’ website for resources in your area.
• Six weeks before: Give family members a deadline to pick up any personal belongings they may have stored at your loved one’s home. Schedule a moving sale or donation pick-up if needed. Change their mailing address and work together to notify their doctors, service providers and utility companies about the move.
• One month before: Once your loved one has selected their new apartment, reach out to the community’s sales team to request a detailed floor plan with measurements. This can help to visualize how much space they’ll have to fill, think about what furniture to take, and consider how to decorate their new home.
• One week before: Make sure all their important documents are in hand, including their will, power of attorneys, medical records, military records, diplomas, birth certificates, and passports. Pack an essentials bag with a change of clothes, pajamas, medication and toiletries, just in case they don’t get everything unpacked the first night.
• One day before: Get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow is sure to be an exciting day!

Sopris Lodge has assisted living studios and one-bedroom residences available. Services and care plans are tailored to residents’ interests and needs, with an emphasis on resident-centered wellness programs that engage the social, spiritual and physical components of a fulfilling lifestyle.

Considering a move to assisted living for yourself or a loved one? Call 970-340-4460 or contact us online to find out how Sopris Lodge at Carbondale can help coordinate a successful move to senior living built around your timeline.

Extra, extra, read all about it! The Sopris Sun recently published a feature-length article about Sopris Lodge at Carbondale to mark the senior lifestyle community’s official July 7 opening. Thanks to the Sun for writing a well-rounded piece, which highlighted Sopris Lodge’s amenities and services, caring team, amusing residents, gorgeous campus and prime location.

We especially enjoyed reading this heartwarming comment from new independent living resident Art Ackerman: “I like the tenants. We’re almost like a family, and we’ve only known each other for days. The staff that works here is wonderful.”

Read the full story on The Sopris Sun’s website to find out what residents and team members had to say about our exciting new senior living community!